Overview

The Defibrillators (Availability) Bill aims to increase the availability of defibrillators in England and Wales, particularly in educational establishments and public spaces. It mandates their provision, encourages training in their use, and promotes public awareness of their locations.

Description

This bill places a duty on Health and Wellbeing Boards in England to promote the provision of publicly accessible defibrillators. This includes assessing needs, advising on locations, identifying funding sources, providing training advice, and creating a register of defibrillators. The Secretary of State must issue guidance on best practices, including siting and signage.

Key Mandates:

• By April 1st, 2020, all educational establishments in England must have at least one publicly available defibrillator at their main building and each campus.
• By April 1st, 2020, all town, parish, community, and neighbourhood councils in England must provide at least one publicly available defibrillator.
• By December 31st, 2019, the Secretary of State must issue guidance to planning authorities to ensure defibrillator installation is considered during renovations or new builds of educational establishments.

The bill defines "defibrillator," "educational establishment," "premises," and "publicly available," ensuring clarity in implementation.

Government Spending

The bill states that government expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts due to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Health and Wellbeing Boards: Responsible for promoting defibrillator provision and creating a register.
• Educational Establishments: Required to provide and maintain defibrillators on their premises.
• Town, Parish, Community, and Neighbourhood Councils: Required to provide and maintain at least one defibrillator.
• Planning Authorities: Will receive guidance on incorporating defibrillators into new educational building plans.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for issuing guidance and overseeing implementation.
• Public: Will benefit from increased access to potentially life-saving equipment.

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